The Cats found themselves in serious trouble early in August 14’s round 17 encounter as the Eagles burst from the blocks, but responded emphatically to record a 16.12 (108) to 13.10 (88) victory.
The Eagles slammed through the opening two goals through William Hogan and William Kelly before Sam Thomson joined the party, while Hogan added another as the visitors established a commanding advantage.
Mooroopna managed two majors through Jack Johnston, but Mansfield’s 5.5 opening quarter left the Cats trailing 35-14 at the first change.
Whatever was said at quarter-time had the desired effect.
Mooroopna flipped the contest in a stunning second-quarter response, piling on 6.2 to Mansfield’s 3.1 to cut the deficit to just two points at the main break.
Jed Woods sparked the comeback before Jordan Anderson, Harrison Bell and Woods again found the big sticks, as the Cats began to wrestle control away from the Eagles.
That momentum continued after half-time.
Mooroopna hit the front during the third term and goals to Bell, Ben Woods and Dan Tuddenham helped the home side turn its 21-point quarter-time deficit into a nine-point advantage by the final change.
Johnston then added his third goal of the afternoon as the Cats entered three-quarter-time leading 12.6 (78) to 10.9 (69).
With the contest still alive, Mooroopna made sure there would be no late Mansfield revival.
Kobie Issell booted two final-quarter goals, while Bell added another as the Cats kicked 4.6 to 3.1 for the term to complete an impressive 41-point swing from quarter-time.
Johnston and Tuddenham finished with three goals apiece for the winners, while Bell, Issell and Woods each contributed two.
For Mansfield, Hogan and Kelly did much of the damage in attack with four goals each, while Thomson finished with two.
The victory continues an impressive late-season surge for Mooroopna, which has now climbed firmly into the GVL finals conversation - sitting in fourth place with high-flying Echuca to come in the all-important round 18.
After beginning the previous round in a congested battle for the top six, the Cats have now banked consecutive victories following triumphs over Euroa and Mansfield, with a single home-and-away clash left to play.
For a side with September ambitions, Mooroopna ace Coby James was pleased with the manner of the latest victory after his side conceded a 21-point head start before outscoring Mansfield 94-53 across the final three quarters.
“It was our Premiership Reunion this week so we made sure we put on a good performance for them,” the No. 35 said.
“The first quarter was a rough start but we pulled back in and finished the game off pretty strongly.
“Jack Johnson was great, he kicked three, Keelin and Liam (Betson) are always so good too - and Harrison Bell and Dan Tuddenham were massive for us.”
